Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Monday more prominent figures could be implicated in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of dozens of sabungeros (cockfight enthusiasts) — including, reportedly, actress Gretchen Barretto.

The development comes after a witness, identified as “alias Totoy,” allegedly mentioned Barretto as an “alpha member” of the group linked to the disappearances.

Remulla, however, said the statement was still being verified.

“It’s just a statement for now, not yet an affidavit. I don’t think it’s fully sworn to and I haven’t seen a signed copy,” he told reporters. “But he (witness) probably has one (affidavit) already.”

Asked about Barretto’s alleged involvement, Remulla said it was too early to tell.

“I can’t comment on that because we still need to validate a lot of things,” he said.

Pressed if other celebrities were also implicated, Remulla said, “There are others,” and kept it at that.

Meanwhile, Remulla gave an update on the search for the remains of the missing cockfight enthusiasts in Taal Lake. He confirmed the Department of Justice had made a formal request to Japan for assistance and for specialized equipment.

“We’ve sent a letter to Japan. But we’ll also be getting equipment from the Bureau of Mines and Geosciences here. The DENR also has resources we can use,” he said. “We still need mapping facilities, we need to map the lakebed.”

As for when the search will begin, Remulla had a one-word answer: “ASAP.”

It’s been more than two years since the sabungeros went missing — a mystery that has left their families without answers and the authorities scrambling for leads. Now, with prominent names starting to emerge, the investigation could be entering its most explosive phase yet.